Shoreline Pediatrics provides high-quality, personalized care for infants, children & teens in Muskegon MI.

Is your child scared of needles? We still have needle-less flu vaccines (FluMist) in stock for those who are eligible but give us a call today because they won`t last! Protect your child this winter from Influenza A and B!
Call 231-777-2732 to schedule or send us a portal message!

Trick-or-treating is exciting, but before the first bite, take a few minutes to check your child’s candy.

Discard anything that’s unwrapped, has torn packaging, or looks unusual. For little ones, avoid hard candies, gum, or other choking hazards. And if your child has a food allergy, read every label because sometimes treats can have different ingredients than the regular store-bought version.

What is your favorite candy to sneak from your kiddos halloween bag?

Our providers’ favorite candies are Skittles, Reese`s cups and M&Ms!

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Safe sleep saves lives. Every nap and bedtime should follow these guidelines:

- Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back.

- Bare crib: Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet—no pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals.

- Room share, don’t bed share: Keep the baby in your room but in their own sleep space for at least 6 months, but the best practice is until 12 months.

- Avoid overheating: Dress baby in a sleep sack instead of loose blankets.

Provider tip: Dr. Hubbard recommends checking the safe sleep approval on all products prior to purchasing. For example, weighted sleep sacks are not approved for safe sleep so should be avoided. Check out this saferproducts.com to check products.

Have questions about your baby’s sleep setup? Bring a photo to your next visit so we can help make sure it’s safe.

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Bullying doesn’t always look like playground shoving.

It can be whispered rumors, hurtful texts, or a child suddenly being excluded. The signs aren’t always obvious, but the effects can run deep. Start by keeping communication open at home. Let your child know they can tell you anything without fear of getting in trouble. Model kindness in your own interactions, and talk about how to handle conflict respectfully. Remind them that they have the right to feel safe and valued - at school, online, and everywhere in between.

If you suspect your child is being bullied, the pediatric providers at Shoreline Pediatrics can help, whether it’s screening for emotional health, providing resources, or guiding you on next steps with the school.

Emotional health screenings are a routine part of wellness care, but we can also assess your child’s emotional well being at any point. Call us today if you have concerns.

231-777-2732
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Handwashing is one of the simplest - and most powerful - ways to stop germs in their tracks.

Teach your child to:
- Wash for at least 20 seconds (singing “Happy Birthday” twice works!)
- Scrub front, back, between fingers, and under fingernails
- Dry hands completely
- Wash before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing/sneezing

Make handwashing part of your child’s daily routine - ask us for tips at your next visit if it’s a struggle at home.

231-777-2732
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🚶♀️ Walk-In Clinic Returns This Fall! 🚶♂️
Starting November 1st through March 31st, our Walk-In Clinic will be open — no appointment needed!

🕒 Hours:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM
**anyone arriving after 8:59am will have to schedule an appt to be seen

📍 For quick, same-day concerns like colds, coughs, minor infections, and more.
❗ Note: Chronic or ongoing health issues require a scheduled appointment.

Let’s keep our community healthy and cared for this winter! 💙
#WalkInClinic #AcuteCareOnly #PatientCare #HealthcareAccess #ClinicUpdate

Down syndrome is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21, which can affect physical features, growth, and learning.

Early intervention makes a big difference for children with Down syndrome. Physical therapy, speech therapy, and developmental support can help babies meet milestones and build independence over time.

At our practice, we follow the AAP Bright Futures care guidelines for children with Down syndrome, using them to guide recommended labs, specialty referrals, and developmental screenings at each well-child visit. Regular check-ups allow us to track progress, celebrate achievements, and address challenges early.

If your child has Down syndrome and you’d like guidance on early support services, give us a call so we can help connect you with local resources.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Tantrums are a normal part of toddler development, but there are ways to help:

- Stay calm: Your reaction can help your child regulate emotions.

- Set limits consistently: Clear expectations reduce frustration.

- Offer choices: Giving toddlers small decisions helps them feel in control.

- Validate feelings: “I see you’re upset” helps them feel understood.

Provider Tip: Dr. DeWitt reminds us that all emotions - big or small - are normal at every age.
Toddlers, however, often need extra guidance in learning how to express them appropriately. Caregivers play a crucial role in teaching healthy emotional expression, and toddlers learn most from observing us. Next time you feel frustrated or upset, try modeling a calm, healthy way to handle your emotions - it’s a lesson they’ll carry forward.

While tantrums are common, parents should talk with their child’s provider if tantrums are extremely frequent, last longer than 15–20 minutes, involve aggression that’s hard to manage, or significantly interfere with daily life.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com

Frequent tummy aches in school-age children are often caused by constipation, stress, dietary changes, or mild infections.

The location of the pain can give clues: upper stomach pain may be due to reflux or gastritis, central (near umbilicus) stomach pain can signal constipation, and around the belly button is often normal, especially in younger children.

Most of the time, these aches are not serious. However, seek medical attention if your child has severe pain, persistent vomiting, blood in the stool, or unexplained weight loss.

Keeping a diary of symptoms, meals, and school events can help identify triggers and guide treatment. Also, you can help by encouraging hydration, offering fiber-rich foods, promoting regular bathroom habits, and using relaxation techniques if stress may be a trigger.

Concerned about your child’s stomach pain? Schedule a visit so we can figure out the cause and give guidance on relief strategies.

231-777-2732
shorelinepeds.com